Celebrate the Great American Smokeout With These Tips to Quit
Every year, the American Cancer Society organizes its Great American Smokeout, which focuses on helping people quit smoking. This year’s initiative is scheduled for Nov. 16.
To commemorate this year’s Great American Smokeout and give yourself the best chance to kick this dangerous habit, consider the following steps:
- Adjust your environment. Get rid of all your cigarettes, including those kept in your home and elsewhere, such as at work or in your car. Wash your clothes and other belongings that may smell like smoke and tempt you to relapse.
- Seek support and accountability. Tell family members, friends, coworkers and others around you that you are quitting. They can provide support and otherwise hold you accountable.
- Avoid triggers. You may associate specific environments or events with smoking, leading to temptation and relapses. For example, if you regularly smoke while drinking or at social events, consider avoiding these situations for now.
- Distract yourself. The temptation to smoke may be fleeting but seem overwhelming. When you get the urge to have a cigarette, be prepared with ways to distract yourself, such as by working out, working on a puzzle or brainteaser, or calling a friend.
- Talk to your doctor. Medical professionals may be able to help you quit by offering advice and recommending substitutes for smoking, such as nicotine patches, gum or other medically approved solutions.
Click here for more information about the Great American Smokeout.
Staying Safe While Shoveling Snow
As the winter season approaches, ice and snow may soon be pummeling your property, leaving you with the duty of clearing sidewalks and driveways. However, while snow shoveling and ice removal may seem like routine tasks, they can include significant danger and health risks. After all, these activities may be strenuous, and winter weather conditions can be inherently hazardous.
With these potential risks in mind, consider the following steps to maintain your health and safety while removing snow this winter:
- Spend a few minutes stretching before you begin shoveling to limit future soreness and reduce the risk of strains.
- Try to push snow with your shovel rather than lifting and tossing it. If you must lift ice and snow, avoid filling the blade of your shovel completely and lift with your legs rather than your back.
- Pay attention to your heart rate and avoid overexerting yourself. If you become fatigued, feel your heart racing or notice that you are not sweating, take a break immediately.
- When using a snowblower, familiarize yourself with the manual and ensure you adhere to any safety precautions and maintenance needs.
- Dress appropriately by wearing several layers of loose clothing, a warm hat that covers your head and ears, thick socks, nonslip footwear, and mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
- Maintain a moderate pace throughout shoveling. Rushing to get the job done quickly may be tempting but can also be dangerous.
- Spread salt or sand on surfaces before shoveling to melt ice, provide traction and reduce your risk of slipping and falling.
Contact us today for more home safety solutions.
Preventing Drowsy Driving
This year’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week runs from Nov. 5-11. Every year, the National Sleep Foundation organizes this initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of driving while fatigued.
To limit drowsy driving and reduce your risk of accidents on the road, consider the following tips:
- Prioritize getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
- Be aware of warning signs that you may be drowsy, including finding it difficult to focus on the road, experiencing lapses in your recent memory and feeling restless or irritable.
- Do not consume alcohol prior to getting behind the wheel as even a small amount can contribute to drowsiness.
- Read the labels of any medications you take to identify if drowsiness may be a side effect and consult your doctor with any concerns.
- Plan ahead for longer trips and break them up into several shorter segments.
For more auto safety tips, contact us today.
This newsletter is intended for informational use only and should not be construed as legal, financial or medical advice.
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